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You’ve probably heard about co-living popping up as a popular rental option, but how does it really compare to the traditional way of leasing a property? And more importantly, could your home be a good fit for co-living?

Let’s break it down.

How Traditional Rentals Work

With traditional rentals, you lease the whole property to one tenant or household under a single agreement. It’s straightforward, reliable, and usually involves fewer day-to-day hassles.

What Makes Co-Living Different?

• Co-living means renting out individual rooms to separate tenants who share common spaces like the kitchen, bathroom, lounge, and outdoor areas. Each tenant has their own lease, making it more flexible.
• This setup is especially popular with students, young professionals, or newcomers who want affordable rent but also a sense of community.

What You Need to Know About Co-Living

• You can legally rent rooms to up to three single tenants. If there are four or more tenants, the property becomes a rooming house, which requires a different licence and follows stricter rules.
• Co-living can bring in more rental income because you are renting by the roomHowever, keep in mind, as a co-living property landlord, you will still be required to cover items usually not required by a traditional rental such as utilities since these homes aren’t separately metered. That can add to your costs.
• Managing co-living properties takes more time. With several tenants, there’s more communication, maintenance, and coordination involved, which usually means higher management fees.
• All shared areas must be fully furnished and comfortable. This not only attracts tenants but also helps meet co-living standards.

Most residential properties can become co-living spaces, but it is important to weigh the pros and cons. If you are looking to boost your rental income and don’t mind the extra work involved in managing multiple tenants, co-living could be a great option.

However, if you prefer a simpler setup with just one lease and fewer tenants, traditional renting might suit you better. It is also vital to remember that renting to four or more separate tenants without the proper licence is illegal, so knowing the rules and staying compliant is essential.

If you want to find out whether co-living could work for your property or need guidance on the legal and management side of things, we’re here to help.

Interested in Exploring Co-Living?

Reach out for a free 15-minute, no-obligation chat and let’s explore your options together. (links)

We’re thrilled to share some incredible news. Two of our outstanding team members have been recognised at this year’s IMPACT Awards for their dedication, expertise and exceptional contribution.

• Jo Bekiaris has been named Practice Support of the Year for her tireless work behind the scenes. Her attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence keep everything running smoothly for our clients and our team.

• David Romanovski has been awarded Investment Adviser of the Year in recognition of his deep financial knowledge and genuine care for his clients. His advice is thoughtful, tailored and consistently puts people first.

We couldn’t be prouder of Jo and David. Their awards are more than individual achievements — they reflect the high standards and people-first values we uphold as a firm.

If you’re looking for financial guidance from a team that’s trusted, proven and passionate about what they do, book a free 15-minute meeting with us today. Let’s talk about how we can help you reach your goals.

Owning several rental properties is a smart way to grow your wealth but managing them through different agencies can quickly become a full-time job — and not the kind you signed up for.

If you are juggling multiple contacts, chasing conflicting updates, or feeling the strain of scattered information, it might be time to think about bringing everything under one singular, trusted agency. The benefits are more than just convenience; they could change how you manage your entire portfolio.

Why Bringing All Your Properties Together Makes a Real Difference?

• Simplified communication and clear transparency Having all your properties managed under one roof means one point of contact who keeps you informed. No more juggling different agents or wondering what is going on. Everything is organised and transparent under a single roof, so you always know exactly where things stand across all your properties.
  
• Stronger negotiating power and personalised service A single agency managing your full portfolio means better rates and customised service options tailored to your goals. You become a valued client, not just another property, and your needs get priority attention.
  
• Easier financial management and consistent compliance Consolidating your properties with one agency means unified financial reports, making tax time and budgeting simpler. Plus, you can trust that all your properties meet legal and regulatory requirements consistently, removing that extra layer of stress.

Let’s Make Managing Your Portfolio Easy

Reach out today for a free 15-minute, no-obligation conversation about how we can help you streamline your property management. Whether you have two rentals or twenty, we will show you how one dedicated team can save you time, reduce stress, and help you get more from your investments.

Help us support our incredible colleagues by casting your vote here: 2025 Impact Awards Final Voting

We’re thrilled to announce that Jacob Eliopoulos, Joanne Bekiaris, and David Romanovski have been named finalists in the 2025 Activam Impact Awards! 🎉

• Rising Star of the Year – Jacob Eliopoulos
• Practice Support of the Year – Joanne Bekiaris
• Investment Adviser of the Year – David Romanovski

These well-deserved nominations highlight the outstanding impact, commitment, and excellence each of them has brought to our firm and the wider industry. We couldn’t be prouder!

Voting is now open and will close on Thursday, 28 August 2025.

You can vote across multiple categories, so don’t hesitate to support all three! Feel free to share the link with your clients, colleagues, and professional network – let’s help spread the word far and wide.

The winners will be revealed at the Impact Awards Gala Dinner on Tuesday, 2 September 2025.

Best of luck to Jacob, Joanne, and David — we’ll be cheering you on! 👏

Short-stay rentals can be extremely attractive. They offered flexibility, higher potential yield, and the excitement of a booming travel market.

But for many landlords, the increasingly restrictive legislative landscape and growing competition has made it more complex for investor to manage.

Furthermore, rising management pressure, increasing costs, and new tax changes in Victoria are prompting many investors to reconsider. A growing number are converting their short-stay properties back into fully furnished, long-term rentals. Here’s why.

Why It’s Worth Rethinking Your Strategy
Many landlords are making the switch for these key reasons:

• Reliable, Consistent Income
  Long-term tenants typically sign a 12-month leases. This means:
  – Regular rent payments
  – Fewer gaps between tenancies
  – Greater financial stability
  
• Reduced Vacancy Risk
  A well-presented, furnished long-term rental tends to stay occupied year-round. In contrast, short-stay properties often experience seasonal slowdowns and unpredictable booking gaps.
  
• Lower Management Demands
  Running a short-stay property takes time and energy. You’re managing:
  – Guest enquiries and bookings
  – Check-ins and check-outs
  – Frequent cleaning and linen changes
  – Restocking everyday essentials
  A long-term lease dramatically reduces these tasks, while still allowing you to offer a furnished, move-in-ready home.
  
• Lower Operating Costs
  A long-term lease excuse the landlord from most operation cost such as cleaning, utilities, internet and landscaping. Furthermore, the operation demand from a property manager is significantly reduced. Both helps lower the cost required to maintain the property for then landlord.

The New Victorian Short Stay Levy
From 1 January 2025, the Victorian Government will introduce a new Short Stay Levy. This tax will apply to short-term rentals, further reducing profitability and adding another layer of complexity to short-stay investing.

What We Do

If your investment property feels more like a burden than a benefit, we can help.

We take the time to understand your current rental setup and talk through what’s working — and what’s not. Together, we’ll look at the financial pros and cons of short-stay versus traditional leasing, taking into account your property type, location, and long-term goals. We’ll also help you navigate how upcoming policy changes, like the Short Stay Levy, could affect your returns.

From there, we’ll help you build a plan that aligns with your goals for the property and your personal and financial circumstances.

Let’s Talk

We offer free 15-minute, no-obligation chats to help you explore your options. Whether you’re ready to make a change or just want to understand the market better, we’re here to support you.

> Book a Quick Chat
> Request a Call-Back

With interest rates still sitting high and lenders regularly updating their offers, now is a smart time to take a fresh look at your home loan.

If your mortgage hasn’t been reviewed in a while, there’s a real chance you could be paying more than you need to. In today’s climate, every bit counts.

Why It’s Worth Reviewing

A quick review of your loan could help you:

• Find a sharper interest rate
• Access features like an offset account or redraw
• Adjust your repayment structure to suit your current lifestyle
• Use your equity for renovations or investing
• Consolidate personal loans or credit card debt into a single, manageable repayment

What We Do

Our lending specialists review your current loan and financial goals, compare options from over 50 lenders including major banks, well known Australian lenders and other well-known financial institutes, recommend only what’s right for your situation, and handle all the paperwork from start to settlement. You’ll receive clear advice without any sales pressure, and if staying with your current lender is still the best option, we’ll tell you that too.

Let’s Talk

We offer free, no-obligation chats to help you understand your options. Whether you’re looking to refinance, restructure, or start something new, we’re here to help.

Book your free 15-minute appointment today:

🔗 Book a Quick Chat
🔗 Request a Call-Back

Your mortgage should support your goals — not hold you back. Let’s check in and make sure it still fits.

There’s something powerful about a fresh start. A new financial year isn’t just a new page — it’s a chance to make smarter money decisions, reduce your tax stress, and set yourself up for something better.

Whether you’re employed, self-employed, or somewhere in between, now is the ideal time to pause, plan, and be intentional with your finances. Because the earlier you start, the more you can do.

Think Ahead, Stay Ahead

Most people only think about tax when it’s absolutely necessary to change anything. But by acting early, you give yourself more time, more options — and more control.

A smart move? Planning to prepay certain tax-deductible expenses later in the year. Things like income protection insurance, professional memberships, or business-related costs could help reduce your taxable income — if you get the timing right. It’s not about spending more. It’s about making what you already pay work harder for you.

Get Organised from Day One

Forget scrambling for receipts months from now. Set up a simple system today — even just a folder on your phone or computer — and start keeping track as you go.

A little effort now saves you a big headache later.

Need Help Making a Plan?

You don’t need to do it all alone. Our team is here to guide you with straightforward, practical advice — no jargon, no stress. Book a free 15-minute consultation and let’s help you make the most of this new financial year. The Hopkins Group – 15 Quick Chat

This year, don’t just react. Plan ahead. Stay in control. And make your money work smarter — from the very beginning.

Good news — starting 1 July 2025, most households and eligible small businesses will receive a $150 energy bill rebate, applied automatically in two quarterly instalments of $75 each. That’s $600 off your electricity bill over the year, no paperwork required.

What You Need to Know

• Start Date: 1 July 2025
• Rebate Amount: $150 total ($75 per quarter)
• Eligibility: Most households and eligible small businesses with an active electricity account
• Application: Automatic — no action needed for most customers

Important: Verify Your Eligibility

While the rebate is automatic for most, it’s essential to confirm your eligibility:

• Households: Make sure your electricity account is active with a registered retailer or embedded network.
• Small Businesses: Check if your annual electricity consumption is below the threshold set by your state or territory.

For detailed information and to verify your eligibility, visit official energy websites or contact your energy provider.

Is this a part of your greater saving plan or specific goal such as buying a property or planning your next investment. While every bit counts, the one most important factor when planning your saving is to know how to maximise your capital yield and minimise your tax obligation.

Let’s chat, Book a free 15-minute consultation with our experts today — we’re here to help you make the most of this relief and keep your budget on track. Request a Call-back

The countdown to 30 June is officially on — and if you’ve been meaning to get your tax sorted, now’s the time to make your move.

Whether you’re employed full-time, running your own gig, or juggling a bit of both, a few smart, quick actions can make a real difference to your return. The best part? It doesn’t have to be complicated — just a little bit of planning and some well-timed payments.

Let’s dive into a few last-minute things you can do right now to give your tax return a healthy lift.

Prepay and Save: How It Works

One of the best (and simplest) strategies before EOFY is prepaying tax-deductible expenses. That means you pay for something now — before 30 June — and claim the deduction this year, even if it benefits you next year.

Here are some common prepayable expenses:

• Income protection insurance premiums
• Union or professional membership fees
• Work-related subscriptions, publications or journals
• Self-education costs that relate directly to your current job
• Property investment expenses like interest, strata or council rates
• Business costs for sole traders and small business owners

Tip: To qualify, the expense generally needs to cover no more than 12 months ahead — and you must actually pay it by 30 June (not just be invoiced).

Who Should Consider This?

Prepaying expenses can be especially helpful if:

• You’re earning more this year and expect less income next year (such as a career change, maternity leave, or study break)
• You’re a sole trader or small business owner with regular ongoing costs
• You’ve got investment properties or ongoing portfolio expenses
• You’re a professional with required licenses or memberships to maintain

Not sure if it’s the right move for you? A quick chat with your accountant or financial adviser can help you weigh it up based on your situation.

Don’t Forget the Paper Trail

We know it’s not the most thrilling part of tax time — but keeping your receipts and records is a must. The ATO requires proper evidence for any deductions, including prepaid expenses.

• Save copies of receipts or invoices (digital is fine)
• Note the payment date — this is what determines whether you can claim it this financial year

Timing is Everything

If you’re planning to prepay anything, make sure it’s done before 30 June. Transfers, BPAY, or credit card payments all need to clear before the end of the financial year — so avoid leaving it to the last minute.

Need a Hand? Let’s Chat

EOFY can feel like a scramble, but you don’t have to go it alone. Our tax experts are here to help you find simple, stress-free ways to boost your return — even at the last minute.

Book a free 15-minute consultation and let’s make sure you’re not missing out on any smart opportunities before the deadline. The Hopkins Group – 15 Quick Chat

Let’s wrap up the financial year on a high — and make your money work a little harder for you.

If you’re like most Aussies, your superannuation probably ticks along quietly in the background. But come 1 July, a few key changes will come into effect — and they’re worth paying attention to.

The biggest one? Your employer is about to pay you more super. The Super Guarantee rate is going up from 11.5% to 12%, which is the final step in a plan the government’s been rolling out over the past few years. You won’t have to do anything — but your retirement savings will grow faster from now on.

Then there’s the new rule targeting very large balances. From 1 July, if you’ve got over $3 million in super, any earnings on the amount above that threshold will be taxed at 30%, instead of the usual 15%. To be clear, this isn’t a tax on your total balance — just on future earnings from the portion above $3 million. And unless you’re in the top half a percent of super holders, this probably won’t affect you at all.

What’s not changing? The government isn’t taking money out of anyone’s super. There’s no cap on how much you can have in your fund, and if you’re under that $3 million mark, your tax treatment stays exactly the same. Also, nothing is being applied retroactively — these changes only kick in from the new financial year onwards.

If you’re unsure how these changes impact your retirement plans — or if you’ve never really looked too closely at your super — now’s a smart time to do it.

Book a free, no-obligation chat with one of our superannuation advisers – we’ll look at your current setup, explain what the changes mean for you, and help you take full advantage if you’re in a position to grow your fund faster.

To book your free, no-obligation appointment:

• The Hopkins Group – 15 Quick Chat
• Request a Call-back

A little tweak today could mean a lot more tomorrow — especially when it comes to your super.